Courts to be allowed to award periodic payments in catastrophic injury cases

Courts to be allowed to award periodic payments in catastrophic injury cases

Charlie Flanagan

Legislation allowing courts to make awards of damages in cases of catastrophic injury by way of periodic payments orders will be commenced in October, the Government has announced.

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan yesterday signed the commencement order for parts 1, 2 and 3 of the Civil Liability (Amendment) Act 2017 with effect from 1 October 2018.

The Act addresses concerns raised by judges about the absence of legislation to enable periodic payments orders in appropriate cases.

Mr Flanagan said it “will provide much needed financial security to persons requiring lifelong care and assistance following a catastrophic injury”.

He added: “I believe that the availability of a periodic payment to catastrophically injured persons will ensure that they will receive the care and assistance they require for the rest of their lives.”

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